Fluid discharge nozzle

ABSTRACT

A fluid discharge nozzle which includes a main body having a fluid inlet passage connected with an annular groove or recess in the end face and located closely adjacent to the peripheral edge thereof, and a cap member substantially coextensive with and overlying the grooved or recessed end of the nozzle body, the cap being secured to the body in a manner to compress its peripheral portion against the outer peripheral edge of the groove or recess in the body with a pressure which will normally close the groove or recess to escape of fluid, with the cap member being slightly flexible such that when fluid pressure reaches a predetermined value, it will open peripherally and produce a substantially fanshaped spray of fluid between the outer edge of the groove or recess and the outer edge of the cap member.

United States Patent Schott [451 Aug. 1, 1972 [54] FLUID DISCHARGE NOZZLE [7 2] Inventor: Lawrence A. Schott, 15940 Warwick, Detroit, Mich. 48223 [22] Filed: Sept. 21, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 73,858

52 u.s.c|...'...; ..239/4s2,239/s35 51 Int. Cl. ..B05b1/32 5s FieldofSearch ..239/451,452,456,459,519,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,925,173 9/1933 Chandler ..239/452 3,567,125 3/1971 Houghton ..239/535 X 2,088,007 7/1937 Zumbusch ..239/535 X 3,334,819 8/1967 Olavson ..239/534 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 815,174 6/1959 Great Britain ..239/535 314,518 5/1918 Germany ..239/452 Primary Examiner-M. Henson Wood, Jr. Assistant ExaminerEdwin D. Grant Attorney-Hauke, Gifford and Patalidis [57] ABSTRACT A fluid discharge nozzle which includes a main body having a fluid inlet passage connected with an annular groove or recess in the end face and located closely adjacent to the peripheral edge thereof, and a cap member substantially coextensive with and overlying the grooved or recessed end of the nozzle body, the cap being secured to the body in a manner to compress its peripheral portion against the outer peripheral edge of the groove or recess in the body with a pressure which will normally close the groove or recess to escape of fluid, with the cap member being slightly flexible such that when fluid pressure reaches a predetermined value, it will open peripherally and produce a substantially fan-shaped spray of fluid between the outer edge of the groove or recess and the outer edge of the cap member.

12 Claims, 12 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAUB 11912 3.680.792

SHEET 1 BF 2 I 6 r50 62 a! FIG-4 INVENTOR LAWRENCE A. SCHOTT PAIENTEnAus 1 m2 3.680.792

sum 2 OF 2 74 I 1 I t INVENTOR LAWRENCE A. SCHOTT FLUID DISCHARGE NOZZLE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to fluid discharge nozzles, and more particularly to nozzles effecting a peripheral fan-like spray of fluid when the discharge orifice is opened under a predetermined fluid pressure. 2. Description of the Prior Art Fluid nozzles heretofore in use of the type that effect a peripheral, substantially planar fan-shaped spray of fluid, opening under apredeterrnined pressure of fluid in the nozzle, generally take the form shown in US. Pat. No. 2,088,007. These types of nozzles heretofore have used some form of spring or diaphragm mechanism which acts normally to hold the discharge orifice closed, and which cause it to open against spring or other operating force when fluid pressure in the nozzle increases to a predetermined value. Consequently, such nozzles are of fairly complicated design. Further, the use of moving and sliding parts in such nozzles will produce wear and fatigue, eventually resulting in the nozzle opening at a lesser pressure than desired, or binding to prevent its proper operation, thus periodically requiring either replacement or adjustment of parts.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention contemplates the use of a simplified two-part fluid discharge nozzle in which a nozzle body is provided with a peripheral discharge groove or recess in one end openly connected to fluid in an inlet passage, and normally closed by a cap affixed to the body and overlying the grooved or recessed end, the cap being compressed thereon with a force sufficient to normally close the discharge groove or recess to escape of fluid therefrom, and being of a thickness and composition suchthat under a predetermined fluid pressure it will flex peripherally to permit discharge of fluid in a substantially planar peripheral fan-shaped spray from the peripheral slot formed between the outer edge defining the discharge groove or recess in the body and the peripheral edge of the cap. The body and cap peripheral edges outwardly of the discharge groove or recess are preferably of a tapered design to effect an axial outward spreading of the spray of fluid to assure atomization, and atomization may also be enhanced by providing an outer peripheral groove closely adjacent the edge of the tapered surface of the body or cap, or both, to form a knife edge over which the fluid passes. A discharge groove or recess might also or alternatively be provided in the cap itself, and also that the nozzle body may be provided with a peripherally flexible flanged end which will cooperate to open the slot under fluid pressure.

This type of nozzle has particular utility in internal combustion (particularly Diesel) engine fuel noules and injectors, oil furnace nozzles, insecticide or other atomizing spray nozzles, and the like.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the invention, reference may be had to the accompanying drawings il lustrating preferred embodiments of the invention in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is longitudinal cross-sectional view of a preferred fluid discharge nozzle embodying the present invention and shown as secured into an internal combustion engine cylinder head;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on the line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the nozzle shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an elevational view of another embodiment of the invention with a portion of the nozzle shown in section;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary partially cross-sectioned longitudinal view of another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially on the line 88 of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an elevational view of still another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 is an end view of the nozzle of FIG. 9 as seen from the right hand side thereof;

FIG. 1 1 is a fragmentary longitudinal view, partly cross-sectional, of another embodiment of the invention, and illustrating the use of a preferred assembly tool; and

FIG. 12 is a view, partly in cross-section, as seen from line 12-12 of FIG. 1 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one preferred embodiment of the invention in which a fluid discharge nozzle 10 includes a nozzle body 12 having an outer flange l4 and a shank portion 16 externally threaded as shown for securing the nozzle into an internally threaded bore 18 of an internal combustion engine cylinder head 20 shown here in only fragmentary form.

An axially extending fuel inlet passage 22 in the nozzle body 12 has an outer threaded end 24 adapted for attachment to a fuel supply line (not shown) to which fuel may be supplied under periodic high pressure, timed for desired fuel injection into the engine.

The inner end of the passage 22 ends in an enlarged bore 26 which is provided with a plurality of axially extending and annularly spaced grooves 28, as shown more clearly in FIG. 2.

The outer end of the nozzle body 12 is provided with an annular discharge recess 30 defined by an inner annular ridge 32 adjacent the bore 26 and an outer annular ridge 34 at the outer periphery of the nozzle body end. The inner annular ridge 32 has slots 36 annularly spaced to register with the outer ends of the axial grooves 28. The inner annular ridge 32 is axially recessed below the plane which contains the extremity of the outer annular ridge, for a purpose to be explained.

A cap member 38 has a longitudinal shank 40 sized to be press-fit within the bore 26 of the nozzle body 12 and an outer relatively thin radially extending flange 42 dimensioned to overlie the annular discharge recess 30, with the outer peripheral edge of the flange 42 substantially coextensive with the outer annular ridge 34 of the nozzle body 12 as shown.

The cap member is installed by press-fitting the shank 40 into the bore 26 with an axial pressure that will cause the flange to be compressed at its outer periphery against the outer annular ridge 34, the inner annular ridge 32, as heretofore mentioned, being recessed inwardly to permit the inner portion of the flange 42 to be displaced slightly inwardly of the outer periphery thereof. The inward displacement of the flange 42 is relatively small, and is not readily discemible in the drawing.

In operation, fluid, which in the case of the internal combustion engine would be fuel from a fuel supply source (not shown), is admitted through the inlet passage 22 to the enlarged bore 26 from which it passes axially through the grooves 28 and radially outwardly through the slots 36 into the annular discharge recess 30. At the timed moment when fuel pressure is increased to its injection value, it will force the outer peripheral edge of the cap member flange 42 to flex away from the outer annular ridge 34 so that the fuel will be sprayed in an annular substantially planar fan through the peripheral slot formed between the flange 42 and the outer annular ridge 34.

In certain embodiments of the invention, it may be desirable to increase the atomizing and dispersing of the fluid, which can readily be done by tapering the facing edges of the abutting outer edge of the flange 42 and the outer annular ridge 34, as shown as 42a and 34a respectively in FIG. 3, providing an air-foil or annular bell-mouth effect which produces the desired dispersion of the fluid.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of a fluid discharge nozzle 50 comprising a nozzle body 52 having an axial inlet passage 54 provided with an enlarged outer bore 56 and an annular discharge recess 58 provided on the inner end face of the nozzle body, similar to the discharge recess 30 of the embodiment of FIG. 1, and defined by similar inner and outer annular ridges 60 and 62 respectively. The difference between the embodiments of FIG. 4 and FIG. 1 is that the inlet passage 54 is connected with the annular discharge recess 58 by means of separate bored passages 64 instead of the grooves 28 of FIG. 1, there being no communication through the enlarged bore 56 to the discharge recess 58. A cap member 64 is provided with a shank portion 66 press-fit into the bore 56 of the nozzle body 52 and has an outer flange 68 overlying the discharge recess 58 and substantially coextensive with the outer ridge 62, similar to the construction shown in FIG. 1 and operating in the same fashion.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. and 6, a fluid discharge nozzle 70 comprises a nozzle body 72 having an inlet passage 74 ending in a reduced portion 76 which extends axially almost to the end of the body 72, which end is formed with a reduced diameter portion 78 subtended by a radially extending flange 80. The outer end face of the flange 80 has an annular discharge recess 82 defined by the periphery of an inner axially extending boss 84 and an outer annular ridge 86.

FIGS. 5 and 6 differ slightly to indicate alternative embodiments of the construction in which an end cap 88, shown in FIG. 5, consists of a washer member having a formation similar to the radially extending flange 80 of the nozzle body 72, with a discharge recess 90 registering with the discharge recess 82 in the flange 80. The end cap 88 is retained against the flange 80 by means of the boss 84 extending through a central hole 92 and being silver-soldered or otherwise secured at its outer edge 94 to the boss 84.

In FIG. 6, an end cap 96 consists merely of a flat washer element similarly secured to the boss 84, but having no discharge recess as does the end cap 88 of FIG. 5. It will be seen that the thickness of the cap members 88 and 96 are substantially the same as the thickness of the flange 80 in their recessed portions.

In operation, fluid under pressure entering the inlet passage and its reduced portion 76 communicates with the discharge recess 82 through angularly extending passages 98, and the fluid pressure will cause the flexing of both the flange and the cap member 88 or 96 away from each other to permit fluid to be discharged from the peripheral slot therebetween.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate yet a further modification of the invention in which a fluid discharge nozzle 100 comprises a nozzle body 102 having a fluid inlet passage 104 provided with an inner reduced diameter portion 104a with grooves 106 extending axially to the inner or discharge end of the nozzle body 102, as shown, and communicating through slots 108 with an annular semi-circular cross-sectioned discharge recess 110. A cap member 112 has a shank portion 114 which is press-fit within the reduced diameter portion 104a of the inlet passage 104, and a radially extending flange 116 overlying the discharge recess and substantially coextensive with the outer end of the nozzle body 102. The inner annular edge of the discharge recess 110 through which the slots 108 are formed is displaced axially inward of the plane containing the outer annular edge, so the flange 116 of the cap member 112 when assembled will be deflected to compress against the outer peripheral edge of the discharge recess 110. Operation of this modification is substantially similar to that of the modification shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate yet another modification of the invention in which a fluid discharge nozzle 120 comprises a nozzle body 122 having a straight fluid inlet passage 124 open at its inner end to a discharge recess 126 provided in the inner end of the nozzle body 122 and defined simply by an outer annular ridge 128. A cap member 130 has a stepped shank 132 formed to have an enlarged portion 134 which, when the shank 132 is press-fit into the inlet passage 124, will abut the inner surface of the recess 126 as shown. A fluid passage 136 extends through the shank 132 into the portion 134 and communicates with the discharge recess 126 through radially extending passages 138. A flange 140 of the cap member 130 overlies the discharge recess 126 and is compressed, when the portion 134 is assembled to abut the recess inner surface, against the outer annular ridge 128. The flange 140 has around its outer periphery an annular groove 142 which provides a substantially sharp annular knifeedge, as at 144, which contributes to the dispersion and atomization of fuel when discharged through the peripheral slot formed between the flange 140 and the outer annular ridge 148, which are tapered as indicated in a fashion similar to that shown in FIG. 3.

In the modification of the invention shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a fluid discharge nozzle comprises a nozzle body 152 having a straight fluid inlet passage 154 open at its inner end to a discharge recess 156 defined by an outer annular ridge 158. A cap member 160 has a straight shank 162 sized to be press-fit into the inlet passage 154 and having annularly spaced flats 164 to permit fluid flow to the discharge recess 156. A flange 166 of the cap member 160 overlies the discharge recess 156 and is compressed, when the shank 162 is assembled within the passage 154, against the outer annular ridge 158. Assembly is accomplished by means of a tool 170 which is forced, as indicated by the arrow, against the end cap 160 to press-fit the shank 162 in the passage 154 with a predetermined pressure, effecting a slight deflection of the flange 166 in compressing against the outer annular ridge 158 of the body 152. The outer surfaces of the ridge 158 and the flange 156 adjacent the peripheral slot formed therebetween are tapered as in the modifications previously described to provide for dispersion and atomization of the fluid which is discharged through the slot when fluid pressure flexes the flange 156 outward. The atomization effect is enhanced by the provision of an annular bevel 172 around the flange 166 and an annular groove 174 around the end of the body member 152 closely adjacent the tapered surfaces to provide knifeedges as shown. 7

It will be seen that the basic idea of the invention is achieved in all the modifications shown, the concept being that of effecting, with no moving or wear producing parts, the discharge of fluid from a nozzle under a predetermined pressure. In the modifications shown, the compression under which the cap member is held against the outer annular ridge of the nozzle body discharge recess will predetermine the pressure at which fluid-can be discharged between the peripheral slot formed between the cap member flange and the nozzle body.

it will be apparent that the annular recess to which fluid is directed may readily be formed in the cap member rather than in the nozzle body without varying the concept of the invention, and various other changes and modifications may be made in the structure without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

lclaim: l. A fluid discharge nozzle comprising: a nozzle body having an inlet adapted for connection to a source of pressure fluid and an end face having an annular recess defined at least in part by a peripheral outer annular ridge, said recess being openly connected with said inlet;

an end cap secured to the nozzle body and having a radially extending flange overlying said recess and peripherally engagingly compressed against said annular ridge, said flange being flexible to part from said ridge under the pressure of fluid in said recess to effect a radial ejection of the annular surfaces of said ridge and flange outwardly of their annular engagement being formed on curved diverging radii.

2. The nozzle as defined in claim 1 wherein said flange has an annular recess facing said nozzle body annular recess and defined by an outer annular ridge coextensive with and engaging the nozzle body outer annular ridge.

3. The nozzle as defined in claim 1 wherein the end face of said nozzle body has a central recess separated from said annular recess by an inner annular ridge whose outer surface is disposed in a plane parallel to and spaced inwardly from a plane containing the edge surface of said outer annular ridge which engages said end cap flange; and said end cap having a central boss pressfit into said central recess to retain said end cap with said flange being urged inwardly to engage said inner annular ridge to apply pressure engagement of said flange on said outer annular ridge.

4. The nozzle as defined in claim 3 wherein said inlet comprises an axial bore extending through said body member to the inner end of said central recess; and said central recess being defined by a substantially cylindrical sidewall having an axial groove therein; said inner annular ridge having a slot openly connecting said axial groove with said annular recess to provide fluid passage from said inlet through said groove and slot to said annular recess.

5. The nozzle as defined in claim 3 wherein said inlet comprises an axial bore extending through said nozzle body to the inner end of said central recess; and said nozzle body having passages openly connecting said bore directly with said annular recess.

6. The nozzle as defined in claim 3 wherein said inlet comprises an axial bore through said nozzle body axially coextending with said central recess; said bore and recess being defined by a cylindrical sidewall; said boss being substantially cylindrical to engage with said sidewall and having an axially extending flat to provide an axial passage from the inner end of said recess out wardly and communicating with said annular recess.

7. The nozzle as defined in claim 6 wherein said inlet comprises an axial bore through said nozzle body axially coextending with said central recess; said bore and recess being defined by a cylindrical sidewall; said boss being substantially cylindrical to engage with said sidewall and having an axially extending flat to provide an axial passage from the inner end of said recess outwardly and communicating with said annular recess.

8. A fluid discharge nozzle comprising:

a nozzle body having an inlet adapted for connection to a source of pressure fluid, an end face having an annular recess defined at least in part by a peripheral outer annular ridge and a central recess extending inwardly from said end face, said annular recess being openly connected with said inlet;

an end cap comprising a boss portion and a radially extending flange, said flange overlying said nozzle body annular recess and peripherally engaged with said annular ridge, said boss portion being pressfit retained in said nozzle body central recess to an extent compressing said flange against said annular ridge, said flange being flexible to part from said ridge under the pressure of fluid in said annular recess to effect a radial ejection of fluid therefrom between said ridge and said flange.

9. The nozzle as defined in claim 8 wherein said inlet comprises an axial bore extending through said body member to the inner end of said central recess; and said central recess being defined by a substantially cylindrical sidewall having an axial groove therein; said inner annular ridge having a slot openly connecting said axial groove with said annular recess to provide fluid passage spaced inwardly from a plane containing the edge surface of said outer annular plane, said end cap boss being pressfit into said central recess to an extent flexing said flange toward said inner annular ridge to provide compression of said flange against said outer annular ridge.

12. The nozzle as defined in claim 11 wherein an inner annular surface of said flange engages said inner annular ridge.

SLS-lO8-A PO-1O5O UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE (313R 1 I ICAl E OF CORRILLCMON Patent No- 3 I 680 r 792 i D ted August 1, 1972 I ventofls) Lawrence A. Schott It is' certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

IN THE CLAIMS Claim 1, col. 5, line 59, add -fluid therefrom between said ridge andsaid flange; and- Signed and sealed this 23rd day of January 1973.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.PLETCHER,JR'.- ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. A fluid discharge nozzle comprising: a nozzle body having an inlet adapted for connection to a source of pressure fluid and an end face having an annular recess defined at least in part by a peripheral outer annular ridge, said recess being openly connected with said inlet; an end cap secured to the nozzle body and having a radially extending flange overlying said recess and peripherally engagingly compressed against said annular ridge, said flange being flexible to part from said ridge under the pressure of fluid in said recess to effect a radial ejection of the annular surfaces of said ridge and flange outwardly of their annular engagement being formed on curved diverging radii.
 2. The nozzle as defined in claim 1 wherein said flange has an annular recess facing said nozzle body annular recess and defined by an outer annular ridge coextensive with and engaging the nozzle body outer annular ridge.
 3. The nozzle as defined in claim 1 wherein the end face of said nozzle body has a central recess separated from said annular recess by an inner annular ridge whose outer surface is disposed in a plane parallel to and spaced inwardly from a plane containing the edge surface of said outer annular ridge which engages said end cap flange; and said end cap having a central boss pressfit into said central recess to retain said end cap with said flange being urged inwardly to engage said inner annular ridge to apply pressure engagement of said flange on said outer annular ridge.
 4. The nozzle as defined in claim 3 wherein said inlet comprises an axial bore extending through said body member to the inner end of said central recess; and said central recess being defined by a substantially cylindrical sidewall having an axial groove therein; said inner annular ridge having a slot openly connecting said axial groove with said annular recess to provide fluid passage from said inlet through said groove and slot to said annular recess.
 5. The nozzle as defined in claim 3 wherein said inlet comprises an axial bore extending through said nozzle body to the inner end of said central recess; and said nozzle body having passages openly connecting said bore directly with said annular recess.
 6. The nozzle as defined in claim 3 wherein said inlet comprises an axial bore through said nozzle body axially coextending with said central recess; said bore and recess being defined by a cylindrical sidewall; said boss being substantially cylindrical to engage with said sidewall and having an axially extending flat to provide an axial passage from the inner end of said recess outwardly and communicating with said annular recess.
 7. The nozzle as defined in claim 6 wherein said inlet comprises an axial bore through said nozzle body axially coextending with said central recess; said bore and recess being defined by a cylindrical sidewall; said boss being substantially cylindrical to engage with said sidewall and having an axially extending flat to provide an axial passage from the inner end of said recess outwardly and communicating with said annular recess.
 8. A fluid discharge nozzle comprising: a nozzle body having an inlet adapted for connection to a source of pressure fluid, an end face having an annular recess defined at least in part by a peripheral outer annular ridge and a central recess extending inwardly from said end face, said annular recess being openly connectEd with said inlet; an end cap comprising a boss portion and a radially extending flange, said flange overlying said nozzle body annular recess and peripherally engaged with said annular ridge, said boss portion being pressfit retained in said nozzle body central recess to an extent compressing said flange against said annular ridge, said flange being flexible to part from said ridge under the pressure of fluid in said annular recess to effect a radial ejection of fluid therefrom between said ridge and said flange.
 9. The nozzle as defined in claim 8 wherein said inlet comprises an axial bore extending through said body member to the inner end of said central recess; and said central recess being defined by a substantially cylindrical sidewall having an axial groove therein; said inner annular ridge having a slot openly connecting said axial groove with said annular recess to provide fluid passage from said inlet through said groove and slot to said annular recess.
 10. The nozzle as defined in claim 8 wherein said inlet comprises an axial bore extending through said nozzle body to the inner end of said central recess; and said nozzle body having passages openly connecting said bore directly with said annular recess.
 11. The nozzle as defined in claim 8 wherein said central and annular recesses are separated by an inner annular ridge on said nozzle body end face and whose outer surface is disposed in a plane parallel to and spaced inwardly from a plane containing the edge surface of said outer annular plane, said end cap boss being pressfit into said central recess to an extent flexing said flange toward said inner annular ridge to provide compression of said flange against said outer annular ridge.
 12. The nozzle as defined in claim 11 wherein an inner annular surface of said flange engages said inner annular ridge. 